To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, is to have succeeded. –Ralph Waldo Emerson
It is with deep sadness that the family of Danny Wade Rowsey, 64, of Johns Island, South Carolina, formerly of Milton, West Virginia, announces the unexpected passing of their husband, father, son, brother, and loved one on April 14, 2026. A private service is planned for Tuesday at the family cemetery in Cabell County.
Born in Huntington, West Virginia on October 28, 1961 and raised in Milton, Danny, an avid and ethical outdoorsman, loved all wildlife, horses, and the Appalachian Mountains. He especially enjoyed boating, hunting and fishing — but only took that shot or kept a catch that he intended to utilize. He also enjoyed researching and collecting old coins, treasuring those he received from his grandfather as beloved keepsakes.
In 1985, Danny and the love of his life, Judy, who he referred to with great affection as “JR,” relocated to the Charleston, SC area. There they discovered a comfortable fondness for their adopted home in the lush Carolina Low Country. And by the end of the decade, they welcomed their only daughter, Denysa, who is the light of their lives.
Growing up in Milton, Danny played football and basketball for Milton High School, and worked locally at Halfway Market and The Truss Factory, after graduating with the Class of 1980. It was during his tenure at The Truss Factory where he first learned his professional skills in commercial and residential construction.
His most recent position as the Maintenance and Service Manager with Buffington Homes on Johns Island, allowed him to connect one-on-one with his customers and coworkers, reflecting his traditional values of honesty, dedication, and pride in a job well done. Danny’s commitment to quality was second to none.
In October, he would have celebrated 12 years of service with Buffington Homes.
During Desert Storm, Danny worked with Services & Marine of America, unloading military cargo ships coming into the Charleston Harbor. From 2005 to 2010, he launched his own business. As his family can attest, Danny’s most important role in life was being a good husband, provider, and great father, just as the Emerson quote above describes.
As one who preferred a slower pace of life and did not suffer fools gladly, Danny was often described as an old soul because of his enduring tastes in retro music and an intentional rhythm of life before the impact of the computerized age. As Judy described him, “He still liked good ol’ rock and roll and preferred simple pleasures.” This nostalgia reflected his 1970s upbringing and 1980s coming of age. She continued, “He just got stuck there and never left.”
Danny and his family are members of Johns Island Southern Methodist Church where he once served as a trustee. He often spent time with God over a hot cup of morning coffee on the back porch while listening to a Gospel message online.
Besides Judy Rowsey and Denysa Rowsey (financé Corey Ferson of Kingsland, Georgia), Danny is survived by his mother, Carolyn Sue Rowsey of Milton, and sister, Debbie Rowsey of Hurricane. He was also the son of the late Gary Rowsey, and the grandson of Jake and Hattie Lunsford Rowsey, and Bill and Wilma Faulkner.
Danny will be laid to rest near his grandparents in the Lunsford Family Cemetery. Pastor Greg Lunsford, his cousin, will officiate a private service at 11:30 a.m. Wallace Funeral Home in Milton is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations toward the upkeep of the Lunsford Cemetery. Maintaining the cemetery was the ongoing task Danny performed with love and faithfulness whenever he was back home in Milton.
All donations can be sent to Debbie Rowsey, 3117 Putnam Avenue, Hurricane, WV 25526.
